How playing and listening to music has helped me make sense of the world since my mum died

A blog post by Sam, aged 16

Most things in life can be creative, the important thing is to find something that you enjoy doing.

I think doing something creative keeps your mind busy and helps you to forget. I’ll often just write songs in my head which I find really helps me. Most things in life can be creative, the important thing is to find something that you enjoy doing.

I’ve been playing the drums for the last four years. I started after watching a live video of the drummer Joey Jordison from Slipknot. He was performing Disasterpiece, and seeing him play such a technical piece, but making it look really easy, made me want to learn how to do that.

When I play the drums, it’s like an adrenaline rush which makes me feel happy, it feels like an escape from everything. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I always listen to metal to help me to feel better, it’s not just the music that helps but the lyrics too. I really like the lyrics in 1x1 by Bring Me the Horizon because when I was feeling depressed, I could really relate to them and they felt meaningful. If I’m feeling happy, I might listen to other genres of music such as grunge, rap or rock.

Recently, the lyrics in the songs I have been listening to have made me think about the human race and the need to look after the planet, so music has helped me to appreciate nature. I’m now enjoying being outside more often and find this really calming.

I really feel that music has shaped me as a person and helped me to make sense of the world after my mum died. 

I really feel that music has shaped me as a person and helped me to make sense of the world after my mum died. Having Child Bereavement UK to talk to has also helped me deal with my mum’s death and understand it. Before my mum died, I didn’t understand what death was and I didn’t feel prepared when she died. Now that I am able to understand more, it’s easier to process.

---

Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services.

You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.